AMA approves new CPT codes for real-time fluorescence imaging
The American Medical Association announced Monday, Nov. 5, that it has approved new, temporary CPT codes for real-time fluorescence wound imaging.
With the announcement, the AMA will add two category III CPT codes to report “wound bacterial localization and treatment” beginning July 1 of next year. These codes are strictly temporary and used to collect data on the associated work and costs of emerging technologies.
The move enables a pathway to reimbursement for point-of-care fluorescence imaging, achieved using MolecuLight’s handheld imaging device.
“In working to heal wounds, in many ways we’ve been flying with the equivalent of a stick and rudder—and sometimes that means flying blind,” David Armstrong, MD, professor of surgery and director of the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, said in a statement. “The fact that the procedure is being recognized with a new pathway to reimbursement by the AMA is very exciting, as we might now be able to measure what we manage.”
Reimbursement for procedures using category III codes is at the payer’s discretion, according to the AMA. MolecuLight also plans to continue working with the AMA to advance the codes to category I status.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.